Study notes

Acts 22

Introducing ActsWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

22:1–21

Paul gives his most complete defense of his life and faith before his own people in Jerusalem. This speech shows his flexibility as a missionary, just as his message to the Greek philosophers in Athens also did (17:22–31; see 1 Corinthians 9:20–23).

He begins by showing his close connection with his audience. He explains his Jewish background and his training under Gamaliel the Elder (a respected Jewish teacher). He also describes his strong desire to honor God, a desire they shared (Acts 22:1–3).

Paul then recounts how he once persecuted Christians (22:4–5). He tells about seeing Jesus on the road to Damascus (22:6–10). and explains his conversion (his turning to follow Jesus; 22:11–16).

He ends by describing a vision in the temple, where the Lord spoke to him. The Lord told him that many Jews would reject the message and that he should go to the Gentiles (22:17–21).

22:1–30 Section

The crowd only became quiet when Paul started speaking to them in the Aramaic language (Aram). This language was common among Jews but not among Roman soldiers.

Paul talked about how committed he had always been to study and obey Jewish laws. He used to be just like the crowd that was trying to harm him. He had tried very hard to harm believers. But after the Messiah appeared to him, Paul started to pray to Jesus. His sins were forgiven and he was baptised.

Later Jesus warned him that Jews in Jerusalem wouldn’t accept his message. So Jesus sent Paul to tell other nations about the Jewish Messiah. The crowd was very angry when Paul said this. They started shouting again. They thought that Paul was dangerous. They believed that he wanted to destroy their Jewish way of life.

It was against the law to harm a Roman citizen without a trial. When the Roman commander learnt that Paul was a citizen, he was worried. They had put Paul in chains and almost whipped him. The commanding officer was surprised that Paul was a Roman citizen. He wanted to understand the problem between the Jews and Paul.

22:16

be baptized, and wash your sins away: See “Baptism” Theme Note.

22:17–22

While Paul was praying in the temple, he saw a vision of Jesus. Jesus told him that the people of Jerusalem would not accept his message. The Lord then sent him to the Gentiles. The crowd’s reaction to this report confirmed this reality (22:22–23).

22:23

The crowd shouted, threw off their coats, and tossed dust into the air. These actions were likely ritual responses to what they thought was blasphemy (speech that dishonors God). They strongly opposed Paul’s message, especially his claim that Gentiles were included among God's people (22:21). Compare with Luke 4:16–30.

22:25–29

Paul asserted his Roman citizenship at a crucial moment when he encountered torture to make him confess a supposed crime. Roman citizenship was valuable. Claiming it falsely was a capital offense. Its main benefits included protection from whipping and the right to appeal to the emperor (25:11). The commander was afraid because he had almost violated Roman law (compare 16:35–39).

22:28

I paid a high price: During the early rule of Roman emperor Claudius (AD 41–54), people could buy Roman citizenship, but it was expensive.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources